Concerned residents from Ward 41 in Gugulethu showed their appreciation and support of the local neighbourhood watch by donating food parcels.
The event was held at a house in NY 21 on Saturday 14 June and paid homage to the members of Vuyani neighborhood watch (NHW).
Resident Pam Williams said they saw a need to support the patrollers. “As the community, we feel we can’t fold our arms when our children are crying for help. These patrollers are risking their lives protecting us. We decided to contribute money to buy food parcels for them. All food parcels are the same,” said Williams. She described the contribution as a sign of appreciation.
Vuyani NHW chair Buntu Nkokie expressed his gratitude to the community for their support. He said it meant a lot to them as they struggled to make ends meet.
Giving the background of the NHW Nkokie said it was established in 2023 with the assistance of Langa Neighbourhood Watch after residents noticed a high crime rate. The Vuyani area is made up of NY 21, NY 58, NY 59 and NY 60.
“When we formed the NHW we were about 20 members, but as the time went by the number dwindled to eight. We start our patrols at 05:00 and continue until 08:30. We used to patrol in the evenings but because of the numbers we decided to stop it and only focus in the morning. However, we are still recruiting people to join us again so we can revive evening patrols,” said Nkokie.
Ward 41 councillor Lindile Sonyoka refused to comment citing that he didn’t attend it. “I’m aware of the event. But I was not part of it. So I don’t have a comment”.
